When you get into a car accident in Ohio, the last thing you need is an insurance adjuster working against your best interests. Unfortunately, many adjusters employ tactics designed to minimize your settlement. Before you realize what is happening, you may have already compromised your claim.
In Ohio, insurance companies are businesses that focus on reducing payouts, not your recovery. Here are three sneaky ways they try to slash your crash settlement.
The early settlement offer
Within a few days of your accident, you may receive a quick settlement offer. The adjuster may sound sympathetic and urge you to accept immediately to settle the matter. This is one of the earliest red flags you may notice.
Insurance companies know that many injuries are not obvious for days or even weeks after an accident. Some injuries such as concussions and internal bleeding do not manifest immediately. You may only know the true extent of your injuries when you receive a full medical evaluation.
By accepting an early offer, you waive your right to additional compensation even if your costs eventually exceed the settlement amount. Once you sign that release, you cannot reopen your claim when complications arise.
A request for recorded statements
An adjuster may reach out to ask for a recorded statement. They may claim it is to find out more information, but it often is a trap. The adjuster may ask questions designed to make you say something that they can use to reduce the other driver’s responsibilities. For example, they can use a simple “I’m fine” to claim your injuries are not as bad as they actually are.
It is best to be careful, as Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this standard, you can still recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault. However, if your share of fault is 51% or greater, you cannot recover damages. Even small admissions can increase your share of fault.
Minimizing medical treatment
Another common approach is to question the necessity of your healthcare and treatments. The insurer may suggest that you are “fine” or that certain care is excessive. They may attempt to dig into your medical history and blame your pain on a prior condition.
The truth is that Ohio may still allow recovery if the crash aggravates pre-existing conditions. However, insurers may try to use your records to downplay the connection of the accident to your injuries.
You can protect yourself from these tactics. Documentation is key to building a credible claim. Additionally, think twice about signing documents or agreements without understanding their purpose. If an adjuster pressures you using these tactics, it may be a sign to seek legal guidance. Consider speaking with an Ohio legal professional before signing anything or accepting money.